Bucket List for the quintessential So-Cal experience

Bucket List for the quintessential So-Cal experience

A quintessential SoCal experience 

The most authentic off-beat experiences coming to you from the locals of Los Angeles, California who do know a little bit about other parts of the state.

Other than the stunning beaches, diverse cultural experiences, and a mild climate year round, southern California has a lot more to offer. Namely, the breathtaking natural wonders like the towering mountains and sprawling deserts, vibrant local art scenes, and vineyards. You’ll find charming small towns, hidden hiking trails, and unique festivals that reflect the rich tapestry of cultures here.

The original bucket list will take you at least two weeks to cover, if not more. So, here’s a downsized version of the list with the most essential to visit places that are unmissable when you come to SoCal.

SoCal Bucket List:

Joshua Tree Area

• Glamping/Camping: Your housing/accommodation of the day should be glamping. You’ll be able to experience the beauty of the desert and witness the stunning starry skies.
• Drive Through All of Joshua Tree National Park: Although pretty crowded during peak visiting season, this National Park is very much worth it to visit, especially for the prehistoric and honestly? Otherworldly atmosphere, especially during the lockdown.

San Diego Area

• Visit the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park: One of the world’s best zoos, combined with beautiful gardens and museums.
• Kayak Through the Caves in La Jolla Cove: An unforgettable adventure with breathtaking views and marine life.
• See Temecula from a hot air balloon: Although Temecula isn’t in San Diego, it’s close enough to visit from the city. This unique hot air experience smack dab in the middle of beautiful vineyards and rolling hills.

A unique food experience you’ll not be able to have elsewhere: 

• Taste SoCal’s wine in Temecula. 
• Cross the border for tacos, Tijuana tacos in particular. Yes, you heard that right. You just need your 

Small pleasures: Enjoy your small, but wholesome experience of the day by watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs.

Los Angeles Area

LA is famous for its . But what they don’t tell you is that LA is, to put it in simply, paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

• If you’re in it for the shedding of sweat, blood and tears (figuratively), you should skip the hike to the Hollywood sign and instead hike Mt. Baldy, or the highest point in LA and enjoy the natural beauty of the San Gabriel mountains. For a shorter hike, you can hike to Potato Chip Rock.

• See Views of LA from Griffith Observatory: This landmark offers breathtaking views of the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the stars. The observatory also has interesting exhibits and telescopes for stargazing.

Small pleasure of the day: Have a picnic on the Getty Center lawn.

Santa Monica & Venice Beach Area:

• Santa Monica Pier: The Santa Monica pier is full of fun activities, making it a great spot for families and beachgoers. And if you’re going to the pier, you cannot miss riding the Ferris Wheel with great ocean views. 
• The Venice beach area is the perfect place to get your holiday shopping done at. Your daily dose of people-watching, enjoying the different cultures merging in a large hub of street/art performances will allow you to just be. Which, unfortunately, doesn’t mean you can be careless of your belongings.

Food/small pleasures: You can expect a lot of Taco eating. And the best experience comes from eating from Mexican taco stands at night along the Santa Monica pier.

The Burgers at HiHo are as close to the wholesome experience as it gets.

Orange County: One word, Beaches (no offense meant).

Explore All 20+ Beaches in Laguna Beach. Each beach has something different to offer, some of the most popular and unmissable beaches are:

• Victoria Beach is perfect for skimboarders.
• San Onofre State beach is perfect if you want to go beach camping. 
• Newport Beach’s boat-filled harbor sits opposite the Balboa Peninsula, allowing you to visit both.
• Dana point: From sitting inside the Dana Point Sea Cave, attending the Sawdust Art Festival for locally handmade crafts, art demonstrations, and live music, and of course, riding the Orange Balloon at the Great Park, Dana point is not without its own set of activities to do.

Small/wholesome pleasure: Roast s’mores on Huntington beach.

Southern California is like a treasure chest of epic experiences waiting to be explored. From glamping under the stars in Joshua Tree to munching on late-night tacos in Tijuana, every spot on this list is a must-visit. Whether you’re hiking up to Mt. Baldy or chilling on the Santa Monica Pier, you’ll be soaking in that classic SoCal vibe. Let us know if there’s any new places that you’ve been to and let us know how you found Southern California in all its Hollywood glory.